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Minhwa: Korean Folk Art during the Joseon Dynasty The Joseon Dynasty spanned from 1392-1910. During this time, traditional folk art in Korea told a story. The artwork was typically colorful and whimsical but could also be calming and soothing. It often told a story about Korean culture or beliefs. Sometimes it taught a lesson. The main objective of Korean folk art was to wish good luck and remove evil spirits. This artwork was meant to bring happiness in one way or another. To me, the most beautiful thing about Minhwa was that it appealed to and included the ordinary citizen. It was something that could be enjoyed by all and not just by the wealthy or prestigious. I am sharing three pieces of traditional Minhwa folk art that well represent this time period. Ten Symbols of Longevity (Sip-jang Saeng-do) The painting above includes ten symbols of longevity. They include sun, clouds, rocks/mountains, water, pine trees, bamboo, mushrooms of immortality, red-crested cranes, turtles, and deer...
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The World of Art during the Vietnam War The Vietnam War affected nearly every aspect of life in the 1960s and 1970s. The world of art was no exception. Since this war, in particular, was extremely controversial for many, the artwork during this time seems to reflect different perspectives and views of the war. I will share a mix of paintings, sculptures, and photography that I believe were really profound during this era.                                                                     Mi Vida  by Jesse Treviño, 1971-73 Jesse Trevino was drafted to Vietnam in 1967. While there, he sustained a permanent injury to his right hand, which ultimately had to be amputated. Upon his return, he was forced to learn to use his left hand for everything, including painting. For this reason alone, I find this piece of artwork ...
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  Early Modern Art and The Great Depression The Great Depression had a profound impact on the arts in many different ways. While the country was suffering economically, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to restore it through the New Deal. The New Deal was a project that involved employing photographers and other artists to document real people who were suffering and publish their prints. Through this project, we ended up with some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking artwork of The Great Depression. This helped people all over the world to see how people like farmers and blue-collar workers were struggling. I am sharing three examples of this below. Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother , 1936 Migrant Mother is probably one of the most well-known photographs from The Great Depression. Photographer Dorothea Lange visited a squatter camp and took a series of photos of Florence Owens Thompson, a 32-year-old mother who was at a stranded pea-picking farm. This particular photo resu...
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  The Romantic Era Impressionism is my very favorite style of art from the Romantic period, while realism is my least favorite. I am going to share two different pieces from each style by four different artists. The first piece below is Haystacks (Snow Effect, Morning) by Claude Monet. Haystacks was part of a series of around 25 paintings where Monet painted the same scene in various light conditions and seasons. It is believed these were painted near Monet's home in Giverny, France, between 1890 and 1891. Outdoor painting was extremely common for Impressionistic artists, so this location was perfect for Monet to have the opportunity to experience different lighting and seasons. There are several art elements worth mentioning for this piece, and texture is one that really stands out. The blending of the brushstrokes really showcases how the snow settles on top of the hay, but the brown sticking through shows where the snow missed. While there are only a few colors in this piece, t...
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  Morality in the Neo-Classical Period The Baroque and Rococo periods were full of extravagance. The artwork of that time often depicted images that focused on self-indulgence or even things that could be sexual in nature. As art began to focus on order and balance, the Neo-Classical period was introduced. Art began to look more restrained or controlled in a way. It was more civil or moral. Many of the Neoclassical paintings showed someone just doing an everyday activity, like sweeping the floor or working a job. The first piece below is Classical Ruins by William Hamilton. It is a rather ordinary painting, in my opinion, but it exemplifies the Neoclassical period perfectly. It reminds me of something I might see hanging in a public library or doctor's office. It has very muted, neutral tones with the primary focus on the people in the right corner working with the sheep. There are slight dabs of white on their clothing and on the horse that really draws you to that corner. While ...
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Art Analysis of the Baroque Period Domine, quo vadis? Annibale Carracci,  Christ appearing to Saint Peter on the Appian Way  (1601-02) Oil on canvas. National Gallery, London This piece of work by Annibale Carracci was painted around 1601-02. It is a depiction of Christ trying to direct St. Peter on Appian Way as St. Peter is attempting to flee Rome. "Domine, quo vadis?" is translated as, "Lord, where are you going?". What is depicted here is not a story from the Bible, as it is believed to have been a legend that the Lord came back after he was crucified.  The Carracci family have been considered some of the firsts to introduce Baroque art. They were able to tie in some of the characteristics of Italian art with more rich, vibrant colors of the Baroque style, and this is evident in this piece that is stunningly bright. There is a little bit of a muted background, but their robes and pieces of cloth stand out and are the focal point as they are up close in the paint...
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 Art Analysis of the Northern Renaissance                Portrait of a Man (Self-Portrait?) , oil on oak by Jan van Eyck, 1433; in the National Gallery, London . Jan Van Eyck is, undeniably, one of the most famous artists of the North Renaissance period. His assumed self-portrait piece, Portrait of a Man, depicts humanism at its finest. As we learned in our Northern and Italian Renaissance unit, there was a strong focus on humans at this time. Van Eyck's details of his own face really bring him to life for the average citizen, from the wrinkles on his face to the stern look in his eye. I immediately noticed his blood shot eyes. I thought about how this artist may be a middle-aged man who has been up late hours painting and has not slept well. At the same time, his bold, red turban on his head gives a sense of royalty, which was also important at this time. I also find it interesting that the turban is wrapped around his head in...
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